Inter-bound Icardi: I don't regret leaving Barcelona

The Sampdoria starlet left Camp Nou two years ago to secure first-team football, and he believes he has since been vindicated ahead of his proposed move

Sampdoria striker Mauro Icardi says he harbours “no regrets” about leaving Barcelona when he was younger as he closes in on a move to Inter.

The striker spent three years playing for the Catalan giants’ youth teams before departing for Italy in January 2011, and he impressed in his debut Serie A season, scoring 10 goals in 2012-13 to help ensure the Blucerchiati avoided relegation.

Now, with a proposed transfer to the Nerazzurri on the cards, the 20-year-old is delighted that his gamble to leave Barca paid off ahead of his proposed switch to the Giuseppe Meazza.

“I have no regrets about leaving Barcelona. If a youngster wants to grow then certain decisions have to be made,” Icardi told El Blog de Mario Garcia de la Santa while on holiday in the Canary Islands.

“At the time I spoke about it with my father and we decided to move to Italy. Fortunately things turned out well.

“My form was positive this season. I have to thank the coaches I had for believing in me.

“Now I’m waiting for my move to Inter to be made official. I can’t wait to start this new adventure with such an important jersey.”